How to Reduce Exposure to Flame Retardants (5 Practical Tips)
You may be wondering whether older furniture, mattresses, or clothing are exposing your family to unwanted chemicals.
Flame retardants are used in a variety of household products, and understanding whether the chemicals in furniture are harmful can help you make more informed decisions about what you bring into your home.
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences notes that these chemicals are commonly found in indoor environments.
Fortunately, a few simple habits can help reduce everyday exposure.
You can reduce exposure to flame retardants by limiting contact with contaminated dust.
Replacing older furniture, cleaning regularly, using a HEPA vacuum, and washing your hands can significantly lower exposure. These steps are especially helpful for children, who spend more time on the floor and frequently put their hands in their mouths.
5 Tips to Reduce Exposure to Flame Retardants
1. Replace Old Furniture
Older furniture, mattresses, and car seats are more likely to contain flame retardants.
This is especially true if the foam is torn, crumbling, or exposed. As the material breaks down, it can release dust particles that contain these chemicals.
If you cannot replace everything at once, start with damaged couches and mattresses where foam is exposed.
If replacing everything is not realistic, focus first on items that are damaged or used most often, such as couches and mattresses.
2. Dust and Clean Regularly
Flame retardants do not stay locked inside products forever.
Over time, they can move into household dust.
Regular cleaning helps remove this dust before it spreads throughout your home.
Helpful cleaning habits include:
- Dusting with a damp microfiber cloth
- Damp mopping hard floors
- Wiping surfaces where dust collects
These methods trap dust instead of pushing it back into the air.
3. Use a HEPA Vacuum
A HEPA vacuum captures very small particles that standard vacuums may recirculate.
HEPA filters are designed to capture very small particles that many standard vacuums miss.
This is especially useful for:
- Carpets
- Rugs
- Upholstered furniture
- Cracks and corners where dust accumulates
Children are more likely to be exposed because they spend time on the floor and frequently touch their mouths.
4. Wash Hands Often
Washing hands often, especially before eating or touching your face, can help remove any dust or residues picked up from contaminated surfaces.
This simple habit can reduce exposure to flame retardants by preventing ingestion of them.
It is also just good practice to reduce exposure to germs and viruses.
5. Don’t Reupholster Old Furniture
Reupholstering an older couch may expose you to dust from the original foam.
In some cases, new replacement foam may also contain added chemicals.
If the furniture is still structurally sound, slipcovers or throws can refresh its appearance without disturbing the existing materials.
When buying new furniture, ask the manufacturer whether flame retardants were added.
Also, check for a Proposition 65 warning, which indicates the product may expose you to a listed chemical.
Can You completely Remove Flame Retardants From Furniture?
Completely removing flame retardants from furniture is usually not practical.
These chemicals are embedded in foam and fabric. Cutting into the furniture can release additional dust and increase exposure.
The most effective long-term solution is to replace older items with products made without added flame retardants, especially since flame retardants are still used in some furniture.
How to Remove Flame Retardants From Clothes
Most everyday clothing does not contain flame retardants, but some specialized products and children’s sleepwear may.
Washing may reduce surface residues, but it does not completely remove chemicals that are built into the fabric.
If you want to reduce exposure, choose clothing that is not treated with flame retardants whenever possible.
Final Thoughts
Flame retardants can accumulate in household dust and increase everyday exposure.
Replacing older products is the most direct solution, but it is not always affordable.
Regular cleaning, HEPA vacuuming, and good hand-washing habits can make a meaningful difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
They are commonly found in furniture, mattresses, electronics, textiles, and some building materials.
Check the product label, review the manufacturer’s specifications, or contact the company directly.
